CHOC CHILDHOOD CANCER FOUNDATION SA FLIP FLOP DAY 2022

Friday, 18 February 2022 will see the third iteration of the CHOC Flip Flop Day to raise funds for the CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa.

It’s safe to say that the day a parent hears that their child has cancer is probably the most unnatural day of their lives… From that day forward, nothing is the same. Most of us can’t even bear to face the thought, and luckily for the majority of us, we will never have to. Those that do face this diagnosis are truly the bravest of the brave, especially the ones at the heart of the battle; the young people who undergo treatment after treatment, fighting to survive.

These children and teenagers are standing on the frontlines facing the scariest journey that they will ever have to face. The fear, uncertainty, hospital visits and cycle of treatments all have a profound and lasting effect on these young warriors. For the parents and families, a completely different journey is beginning; one that is also steeped in fear and uncertainty, but one that includes the draining emotional weight of caring for the rest of the family, maintaining a household, even holding up a job – whilst carrying their child or teenager through an unchartered medical journey.

Xichavo Mhangani is an example of these young warriors. At the tender age of 18 and a grade 12 student, he not only needs to look after his two younger siblings (brother 9, sister 12) as the head of a child-headed household, but in 2020 he was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma aka Bone Cancer. Anyone that is currently in University or employed will know how demanding your last year of high school is. Xichavo is not only working hard to pass Grade 12 but also doing his best to balance this important year alongside hospital visits for his cancer treatment.

CHOC’S social worker Lawrence has been amazing to Xichavo and his family by ensuring that they have all they need be it transport money, food parcels for the family, emotional support, and even a gift or two on special occasions.  Thanks to the work done by the team at CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa, the donations from the public through campaigns like CHOC Flip Flop Day, we’re making a difference in the lives of children and teens like Xichavo. A difficult journey is made so much easier to deal with.

Johannesburg-based Doodle Artist Blcktagg and travel writer Ryan Enslin, aka My Lime Boots, have teamed up to create and install a unique piece of artwork at The Playground in Braamfontein, in support of this cause. They have created a doodle mural and doodled a ceiling at the newly reopened The Playground in Braamfontein, the left foot of six pairs of Plakkies flip flops were decorated in Blcktagg’s modern abstract expressionism style. The right foot of three of the six pairs share elements of some of the many cancer survivor stories where CHOC has been involved, and the remaining three feet take the viewer on a journey to understand the vital role played by CHOC.

“I create original pieces of art because I believe that art can change people’s minds and opinions” shared a passionate Blcktagg.

Please take the opportunity to visit this unique art installation at The Playground at 73 Juta Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, South Africa.

Don’t forget to visit your nearest Tekkie Town, PNA Store or CHOC regional office and donate R10 and get your Flip Flop sticker so you can don your favourite pair of flip flops on Friday 18th February 2022 in support of this very worthy cause.

If you need additional information on Flip Flop Day or to purchase your sticker, visit a CHOC region closest to you, www.choc.org.za .